Hiking at Matthiesen State Park

Since Charissa is leaving in a week to head back to college, we decided to go to one of her favorite places here in Illinois - Matthiesen State Park.  It is about a two hour drive from our house but has always been worth the drive.  We packed a lunch and headed out with a promise of gorgeous weather perfect for hiking.

Tired before the hike ever began

Eric is ready to go ...

  
Eric was excited to bring his own backpack for hiking.  Yeah, that excitement died within the first three minutes of the hike, and Charissa carried it for 99% of the hike.  Eric did want it back at lunch time. Eric loved hiking.  He loves the outdoors period and was quite the trooper.  He did snitch a piggy-back ride up the flights of stairs - don't blame him there as some flights were quite long and steep.

Although we have had severe drought lately, the recent storms helped green up things and made for some beautiful nature shots.  It also created some puddles for getting wet and water fights.  The water was still low enough that the easier trails were accessible which made it easier on the younger kids and out-of-shape moms.

Let's Hike!

 

Jonathan doing some exploring

Clint and Eric enjoying the view

Joanna and Cara

Jonathan and Oren climbing and trying not to fall into the water below

  

Oren was King of the Rock until Charissa the Queen came along and showed him who was boss.

   

    

Kalynne tried to use a staff to part the waters on the bridge.

Enjoying a treat  ... It was National Soft Serve Ice Cream Day afterall.

Mattress Surfing

Today we moved the crib out of Eric's room and replaced it with a twin bed. Jonathan was to take the crib mattress downstairs to store in the basement with the other parts of the crib. He decided that sliding down the stairs would better and faster. A whoop and a holler later and everyone wanted in on the fun. We did discover the lighter kids slid better. Kalynne wanted a turn. Her brothers were overjoyed at the chance to try to shove her down the stairs. Well, she tried and managed to go down the stairs without the mattress when it got stuck and she didn't.


Joanna wasn't thrilled to have to bring up the mattress, but the fun afterward more than made up for it. Work before play, right? Eric absolutely love mattress surfing and seems to have no fear. I hope I don't catch him trying to do it solo!


Here is a video of Joanna and Eric taking a turn (just tilt your head a bit). Too bad there is no sound but just imagine delighted screams that have a uh-uh-uh feel to them too. I think there was only one crash into a wall and none into the piano at the bottom of the stairs. I think the kids like this better than sledding. It is definitely warmer!

Life Happens

Geez, it has been a while since I posted anything. There has been plenty going on though, mundane along with the not so mundane. Where to begin?

The weather can't decide if it wants to be Spring or Winter. I am just glad for our new sump what with the rain and thawing we have been having. It has most likely saved us a few wet floors in the basement. Thank goodness for tax refunds that can pay for it too.

Thank goodness for tax refunds that can cover the loss of income from a temporary lay-off too. All those kids and deductions can come in handy. It seems that Clint gets to take a week off of work and not be paid for it. It most likely will be two, but at least it won't be back-to-back ... sort of. The first one is at the end of March. We had just bought a trip to Branson for a 15th anniversary get-away. We were going to take it when the kids had Spring Break. We are going to go when Clint doesn't have to work now. We found a sitter and made our reservations. Something good besides the enormous amount of yard clean-up has to happen that week.

We also bought a porch swing. We have only been here 6 years. We finally found the right one. We ordered it, and it will be ready in time for Mother's Day. You know where to find me (with my nose in a book) this summer.

Eric is quite the chatterbox now. He has plenty of examples around here. He can say school (when he sees the bus come and the kids get on). There is thank you, welcome, bye-bye, night, and what's that? as well. Oh, I am "mom" now unless Eric is showing his imp-ish sense of humor. Then he goes around the house calling every dad and just laughing about it. I get "What!?" when I call his name. That is also due to the plenty of examples around here. I heard him say stuck the other day as well. He can also say Charissa's and Kaly's names or at least an understandable variation.

I am surprised I don't hear stuck more often as Eric is a climber. I am always have to rescue him. He loves water too. Toilet seats have to stay down and bath tubs emptied. I found out the hard way about the tubs when I found towels, blankets, clothes, toys, and a couple of pillows thrown in the water.

Scholastic Bowl season is wrapping up. Charissa did well as JV captain. Kalynne has her last meet this coming week. both girls love it and earn their team plenty of points.

Oren didn't make it to state for his National Geographic Geography Bee. The poor kid was so heartbroken. He studied really hard too. We are all smarter now, because he shared all his information with us.

Joanna busted her chin open in PE a couple of weeks ago. It is to match the back of her head, I guess. She also was out this past week for three days with a bug that just made you feel yucky and lethargic with a low grade fever.

Jonathan had Pinewood Derby last month but didn't win any races. He was so bummed, and then broke his trophy since he won a specialty category. It was just not his night. He is looking forward to summer camp so I better get him signed-up!

Cara has stayed free of injury, illness and disappointment unless you count having been made to practice piano. She is struggling with that right now. I get to teach her as her dad is about as exasperated as she is.

I am staying busy with PTO (finished one project last week and moving on to the next, a fundraiser next week). Church keeps me going too. What with my responisibilities, the activities and everyone else's responsibilities and activities ... ugh! Okay, it is not bad just busy. I also pamper myself by working out three times a week. I started attending Curves. So far the effort has paid off with 11.5 pounds and 14 total inches lost. The photo from Thanksgiving was motivation and a shocker about how I let the weight creep back on again. I actually enjoy exercise or maybe it is the me time. A friend watches Eric 2 hours twice a week so I can workout and run errands during the week. I also go Saturday mornings. I try to squeeze in walks the other days. hopefully the weather will decide on sunny spring days so it is possible.

Now I better get to bed. I just realized I had typed this entire rambling news bit in my cooking blog. Thank goodness for copy and paste!

A Brrr...thday Party

Jonathan's birthday party was Saturday even though his birthday was the first of December. Jonathan wanted an Antarctic Party. After much research (gotta love google), I came up with some cool game ideas. The games were catered to 10 year-olds.

These are the invites that I made. For privacy and security issues when dealing with the internet, I blacked out certain information. I used a font called Frosty and found the cute penguin clip art on-line.

Decorations consisted of snowflakes hanging from the light/fan and on the counter. I had a snowflake tablecloth and bought blue plates with cup and napkins which also had snowflakes on them. The snowflake decorations as well as the cups, plates and napkins were bought cheaply at our dollar store for a dollar a package. I spent $7 for decorations. I already owned the tablecloth.

We served pizza and soda for dinner at the beginning of the party which allowed any late comers to not miss out on the fun and games. After dinner, we had games. All the games kept with the theme of the Antarctic/Arctic. Following the games was refreshments and gift opening. We did away with the traditional cake. Instead we had powdered doughnut holes (snowballs) and ice cream. Goodie bags were snowflake covered bags filled with candy.

Game #1: Ice Cube Relay - Mark a start and a finish line. Each player is given an ice cube. At go, each person pushed their ice cube with their nose across the floor to the finish line. If an ice cube melts before the finish line is crossed, a replacement one is given.

It was funny to watch as one boy scooped the ice cube up in his mouth and pretended to push it. he then spit it out at the finish line. Boys were getting tangled up in each others' legs, and the spectators were laughing pretty hard.

To change this up for a party later this week, I am having a set of mittens per team (2). The first player puts on the mittens, grabs an ice cube (kind you buy in a bag) and runs it to the other side to dump it into a pail. The player then runs back and hands off the mittens to the next team member. It continues a bucket is filled. I bought cute metal buckets at our local Wal-Mart.

Game #2: Seal Game - For this game you need paper cut-outs of fish. Each player gets on his knees. As the fish is dropped the player tries to grab it with his "flippers" (aka hands) slapping together. He can bend his body but cannot move off the spot or his knees.

We didn't do this game due to time constraints which disappointed the birthday boy. We might have to give it a try at a later date.

Game #3: Polar Bear Tag - One person is selected to be the polar bear. That person is on his hands and knees in the middle of the room. The rest of the players are penguins. Their job is to waddle from one side of the room to the other without being caught by the polar bear. The last remaining penguin becomes the new polar bear.

This game was a favorite and fun for all ages. I played the polar bear once even. We had some high jumping penguins trying to escape the swipes of the polar bear.

Game #4: Penguin Relay - The only supplies needed are players and plastic eggs. I used paper mache' eggs found at my local hobby store. Depending on the number of eggs, divide the players into teams. The eggs are placed at the feet of the players who are now parent penguin taking care of their eggs. At go, penguins waddle their eggs to the next player on their team. The game continue until the first team has all gone.

Some boys were not careful parents and ended up playing soccer and kicking their eggs across the line. It was fun though, and funny to watch those eggs go every which direction. There are also foam eggs available, but the mache' eggs held up really well.

Game #5: Iceberg Races - Players partner off. One is the pusher while the other is the pushee. The pushee sits on an iceberg (carpet square). At go, the pusher then pushes the team mate on the iceberg around the room. Depending on the size of the room, a number of laps can be set to win the race.

We had boys sliding off their icebergs, being dragged by their team mate and general fun chaos. I used felt squares which worked on my wood floors. The squares were not big enough though so I would change that to the size of a carpet square or at least 2 feet by 2 feet. Quilt batting would also work depending on the flooring.

Game #6: Feed the Penguin - Supplies needed are goldfish crackers or the like. Players pair off with one being the penguin and the other the feeder. Each team is given the same amount of fish crackers. At go, the feeders try to toss as many fish crackers as possible in the "penguin's" mouth. The penguin's knees are together with flippers (hands) at their sides.

This was the favorite game of the night. I will be paying for it as I am still finding fish crackers to sweep. It was worth it, and a definite keeper for games.

Game #7: Blizzard - White balloons are blown up. Players are divided into two teams, one on each side of the room. At go, the teams try to blow the balloons to the other team's side.

We also were unable to do this game. I am using it for my daughter's kindergarten party though later this week.

Game #8: Snowball Fight - Crumbled paper becomes the snowballs (balled up socks can work too). It is an all out war. Forts can be constructed from blocks, tri-folded cardboard or whatever the imagination can imagine.

The furniture in our living room was enough to provide make-shift forts for the boys. I had "snowballs" everywhere! I had hoped it could be taken outside with the real stuff, but we had warmer temperatures which melted everything. This game was a hit and is being used for a witner games activity with our church youth.

A fun party that had the boys excited and talking about it! Yeah!

Cyclops

So I have no picture which would make it even funnier. I was going outside to hang clothes on our clothes since the day is just gorgeous. I glanced at Cara and Joanna who were busy eating lunch at the table (they have today off from school). I did a double-take. Each one of them had huge goggly eye stuck to their foreheads.

I guess they got into the craft bin I keep for the days I hear "I'm bored!" or rainy days or too hot days or ... you get the idea. They stuck one of the eyes to their forehead because they asked, "What?" when I shook my head and sighed. The lightbulb went off though as they reached for the forehead at same time. I was rewarded with a couple of cheesy grins.

Cheap entertainment, I guess. Speaking of cheap entertainment, I had to go to the elementary school Thursday to set up lunch for the teachers. The PTO provides lunch for the teachers on conference days which was Thursday (we did breakfast for them this morning). I had to take Eric with me as school wasn't out quite yet. He wasn't a happy camper especially when I put him down in the school office. I managed to get him quiet and ran out to my car for the last load of stuff.

When I came in, the office staff asked where Eric went. I said he was still in here. They asked what I did to get him quiet. A pacifier, perhaps? No. I had to confess. I put a visitor sticker on each of Eric's thighs. He was busy trying to get them off and quite content (until I pulled them off for him).

Yeah, sticky things are great entertainment. That 80 cent roll of tape can amuse most children for quite a while. It has foiled many a fits too to have a piece of tape stuck to the nose.

A Day of (un)Rest

I knew I would be watching 4 extra children this morning. I was to get them to church. That was it. As the story of my life goes, that changed as fast as the weather here.

I got a phone call from my hubby at 5:30 a.m. saying that the extra children were on their way (an hour earlier than planned). You see I watched these kids yesterday too. Their mother is expecting twins and was put into the hospital with pre-term labor this week. Their dad is military and had drill this weekend. I volunteered to watch the children. I was the only one with a big enough vehicle to haul everyone in one trip so I figured I qualified.

The reason my hubby called me is because he left for Vegas yesterday afternoon. The children's dad called him to let him know. Unfortunately, Vegas is 2 hours different so Clint got the phone call at 3:30 his time. So the message was relayed, and the children arrived just after 6 a.m. The reason for the phone tag was the hospital had called our friend with the news that his wife's water broke. She is just 30 weeks gestation.

So I had to feed 11 children breakfast. We had French toast, bananas, apple juice. I got them all ready for church or at least the ones that needed help. We were not only on time but ten minutes early too. We took up a whole pew. Charissa was at one end while I was at the other. That was to block any wandering strays.

Back to getting ready ... I went to check on Eric. Complete nastiness awaited me. Eric had a major, major blow-out. It was smeared all over the bed and him. Did I mention how nasty gross it was? So in the tub Eric went. After he was ready and clean, I had to do a load of wash. Then I got ready while Eric ate some dry cereal in his chair. The carseats (5 of them) went into our 12 passenger van. That took some planning arranging seats. I had to take into account of who fights when together and all that fun stuff. I couldn't have any "His leg is on my side!" or "She's looking at me!"

I get through church which I had a lesson to teach too. I got as many kids in the van to go home as I did coming. I think they are the same ones too. I made some pizza for lunch even. Whoever said neccesity is the mother of creativity is right. That sauce I had in the freezer was not tomato sauce as I thought (lesson on labelling things better). It was enchilada sauce. Ya know what? With some Italian Seasoning it makes good pizza sauce. I had just enough cheese and toppings (crumbled leftover breakfast sausage, canadian bacon & pepperoni) for a meat and a cheese pizza. I was even told it was the best pizza.

So now I am about to take my well-deserved nap. To be sure that I get it, I told my oldest that if she made sure I had at least a good hour nap, I would lift her computer grounding. I think I am going to get a good nap.

Summer Vacation Pictures - Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)

While at Cedar Point we let the older three kiddos (who were all tall enough to ride any ride) take off with a cell phone and orders to stay together. Hubby and I handled the other four kiddos. After lunch we stuck together or at least tried so hubby & I could get a chance to ride some rides. Cara went on the big Ferris Wheel with Oren and Jonathan. The boys didn't think being so high up was too cool after looking down. Cara loved it and even swayed the car enough to freak out her older brothers, laughing the whole time.

This ride was the coolest as long as I didn't have to ride it. Cara wanted to though. Thank goodness she was too little. Who woulda thought my li'l whiny tattle-tale wimp adores roller coasters. She went on every one she was able too and still was asking for more. The roller coaster was called Top Thrill Dragster. It started from a dead stop and hit 120 mph within seconds. Up it went and came down spiralling. uh, no thanks!

Joanna's favorite ride

Oren

Charissa (trying not to smile)

Kalynne looking just thrilled

Eric rode in style too

Mom and Joanna one of of the many whirling rides

Cara accompanied Jonathan on one of the smaller roller coasters

Five year-olds and Fireflies

Hubby and I were returning from a quick errand trip into town. When we drove up the driveway, we saw our two youngest girls in the front yard with big red drinking cups. They saw some of the first fireflies of the season so were outside trying to catch them.

When we asked Joanna (5) if she was catching fireflies she replied a bit down-hearted that she was. When we asked what was wrong, she informed us that she clapped her hands (showing us as she told us about it) too hard and squished her firefly. Hubby and I started laughing quietly at her poor face. Joanna told us she had caught it once but let it go. "I accidently squished it when I caught it again. Like this ... *claps hands* ."

Hopefully Joanna will have better luck next time although maybe it is the fireflies I should be wishing luck.

Thoughts and Rambles

Sometimes what is said is not what is really meant. My 5th grader (Kalynne) had a play. The entire 5th grade put on various Aesop's Fables. I planned to make the 9 a.m. show, but had the 1 p.m. one as a back up. It was a good thing since I missed the 9 a.m. one. I showed up a few minutes late but just in time to see Kalynne's parts. Kalynne told me that I didn't have to come if I was too busy. I am glad I did because after she left the stage I saw her scanning the crowd from the wings. I was at the back so she couldn't see me. I saw her shoulders droop a little.

About halfway through the plays when another 5th grade class was performing their chosen fables, Eric started fussing so I stood up with him. Kalynne heard him and turned to scan the crowd on the other side of the theater. She found me, and her smile said it all. It said, "I know I told you you didn't have to come, but I am really glad you since that is what I wanted. Thanks, Mom."

My kids like to perform. They love the theatrics and drama. They must since they practice it all the time at home. Joanna had her chance to shine too. On her last day of pre-school a Mother's Tea was put on by the class. The children greet their mother's at the door and show them to their seats. They then take their drink order and serve their mothers. It is quite cute. There are gifts the children made. They love to help open them. Next comes the performance of songs and rhymes. Joanna kept making sure I was watching. When I would wink at her, she would wink back. The Mother's Tea is then finished with the handing out of certificates for those moving up to kindergarten.

I was watching one little boy sitting forlornly waiting for his mother. She was running late, and the look of relief on his face when she arrived was similar to the one I saw on Kalynne's at her play. The little boy, Hunter, is also Joanna's shadow and playmate. The teacher said he was rather wild when the year began, but Joanna was a big help in mellowing him out. I think that is the polite way of saying she put him in his place.

Children are so trusting which makes their naivety really fun at times. Oren told me that he asked his dad why it is called the "Birds & Bees". Supposedly his dad told him it is because birds and bees don't get along just like males and females. Oren had to check that bit of information with me. Usually I am the story-teller and get away with it since I have the better poker face. After 14+ years of marriage though my hubby is getting better. It is just that darn dimple that gives him away if he is up to some mischief. I am usually the practical joker too. I figure a bit of fun makes my day go by faster. Besides I consider it payback for giving birth, nursing, changing diapers and potty-training the li'l hoppers. And that is just by age three and not taking in the teenage hormone years.

They sure do talk funny

I was reminded of how words/slang and the meanings change over the years. I was reminded this morning by an almost horrified 15 yo. Charissa left her shoes (flip-flops) by the door. Her little brother (the 9 yo Jonathan) came by and saw some ants. He put Charissa's shoes on and smashed them.

I was telling Charissa about it a few minutes later, but heaven forbid I used the word thongs instead of flip-flops. So I basically told Charissa that Jonathan borrowed her thongs. Given the meanings of the words now (a thong being a piece of floss guised as underwear), I guess it does sound rather alarming not to mention funny.

I think they change the word meaning to keep parents on their toes and like totally un-groovy ... er cool.

It Made Me Smile

Yesterday was miserable. I had chills. I had a fever. I had a pounding headache. I was miserable. To add woe to my misery Eric was feeling better and not using me as his comfort so I was a tad uncomfortable too.

Yet in all this misery of mine (I am feeling better now. Thanks for asking!) I was able to smile. I smiled when I saw my 13 yo's detention slip. It wasn't at the slip itself but who signed the parent's signature line. Joanna (4 yo) gave her permission for Oren to stay after school. The teacher got a kick out of it too.

I smiled at Eric's baby laughs (even 3 a.m. ones like this morning). There is a reason why we call Eric "Chuckles". He is even more hilarious when he is tired. Everything strikes him as funny and worthy of a laugh.

I smiled when my oldest came home telling me she was able to arrange class work with her teachers if I needed her to stay home. I was that miserable. Hubby would be travelling and was worried about me. I guess so was my oldest. That was really sweet of her being willing to stay home and care for me. Alas I am feeling better, and she is bummed she has to go to school.

I smiled because I didn't clean house and had a good excuse. Actually I wasn't smiling as I crawled back in bed, but I was relieved I had a card to play on why my chores weren't done. In my experience the being-sick-card works better than the playing-on-the-computer-all-day-card.

I smiled because the kids eventually all went to sleep. The house was peaceful. I crashed before hubby could start snoring too loudly. That was definitely worthy of a smile.

A Child's Prayer

We raise rabbits and do so for selling them or meat. We also say family prayers each morning together before each heading off our separate ways (hubby to work, kids to school and me back to bed).

This past winter all three of our does gave birth. There were 17 bunnies born but due to a cold snap we lost all of them. We held off mating our rabbits until it warmed up a bit so not to repeat the sad misfortune. My 11 yo was heartbroken as she takes care of the rabbits and has a soft spot for all the baby bunnies.

Minnie, one of our does, had a litter yesterday. It is windy and chilly (at least it isn't freezing or below zero) so we have been careful to keep the nest box well insulated. The new litter made it through the night. We hope they continue to make it. It doesn't hurt to ask for help either.

This morning my 11 yo offered the family prayer. She prayed that Minnie's babies could live and grow old ... pause ... "at least until Dad gets a hold of them." There a few irreverent snickers around the table (myself included and hubby was trying hard not to laugh).

Creative Discipline

Just when I think I have this parenting thing down decently enough, I have another child that throws all my previously learned tricks out the window. You would think with seven kids that I could at least use some tricks again. I mean the personalities are bound to repeat. I have three with brown eyes so why not a few with the same personalities? I guess life just isn't meant to be fair.

I had to be creative the other night with some discipline. It seems hopper #3 likes to mean to hopper #5. Perhaps she forgot what it felt like to be bullied. It was going to take more than just remembering the Golden Rule to curb the behaivor. Then I felt down-right brilliant with the idea of the needed plan of action.

We like to stress positive. I like to tell my kids to look for the positive in others and not be so degrading. Kind of like what mother always says, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." So to deal with the verbal bullying, I told hopper #3 she had to do three nice things whether in action or words for hopper #5 each day for a week. The kicker would be having to do more if caught being a bully again.

She is up to five, but she is learning. Right after she got busted again, I heard her about to say something. She never said it and just trailed off. I wasn't in the room so enjoyed a good chuckle. Perhaps they do listen after all.

Nah ...

Sniffles to go around

and around and around and around. That can be a down side to a large family, passing around all those germs. We are blessed to be pretty healthy in our family. Illness is rare and usually occurs only once or twice a year. When it does strike, it just seems like forever until it leaves our house. It takes a while to get through everyone.

Right now Eric is sick. I hate it when my baby is sick. Poor thing can't tell me where is hurts. He just looks at me almost begging with his eyes for me to make it go away. I wish I could. He is getting better. At least he hasn't lost his appetite.

Joanna (grasshopper #6) was sick last week. She came home Wednesday and promptly went to bed. She missed school the next day and would have for the next few days if it hadn't been a four day weekend for her. She refused to eat. In 4+ days she only ate a bite of applesauce and a couple of bites of ice cream. She finally had half a dozen bites of cereal Sunday. She was able to handle fluids at least. She is so little and petite as is that we were watching her close.

She back up to speed and attitude now. I might be soon when I can catch up on sleep. I like to sleep close to my sick kids so I can hear them. It doesn't make for a restful sleep, but my mind is more restful being close.

Because, because, because ...

Because I birthed them ... Because I feed, clothe and clean up after them ... Because I chauffer them ... Because I pay for their braces ...

Because of this I have the right and privilege to embarrass my children. I have the right to have some good, ol' harmeless fun at their expense. The biggest reason is I had one of those weeks. I had cranky, sick kids. I had a travelling hubby. I had two snowstorms making the cabin freezer worse. The only thing I didn't have was enough sleep.

I also have a car that can swerve while hugging the road and traction control. I had rain puddles and windows that I can control and lock. I had boredom and a desire for some impish fun at the expense of my older kids.

Hubby and I had to tag team it this morning since we have a sick child. He went for the first part of church since he had obligations there. During the second portion He came home so I could go for the last portion when I had obligations. I brought the five that stayed at church home. The baby, sick child and another poor feeling child (who came back with her daddy) stayed home. Since the weather was a downright balmy 40-something, we had the windows down while I drove home after church with the kiddos.

When I turned down the first of 3 country roads to get to my house, I rolled up my window; locked the windows and rolled the two back ones down all the way. My oldest is a smart girl (and thinks like me) so she started screaming, "No, Mom! No!" I was laughing too hard. The second oldest girl (#3) is smart but didn't quite get it since was still laughing at her older sister. She was soon screaming when I hit the puddle. I got her good. Their poor little brother who was in back behind them (we have a 3 row Freestyle) just had his coat zipped up over his head. He looked like the headless horseman.

A few puddles and bullseyes later, I was really having fun. #2 was in front so he felt safe to laugh at his sisters' expense. The girls were huddle together trying to get away from each of their open windows. I was glad to be the reason to encourage such sibling bonding. Then came our driveway and the screams became louder.

There is a low portion in our driveway with TWO puddles, one for each window. I had stopped and revved the engine to cover the yells that were coming from behind me. Then I went for it. I have had more impressive splashes, but the look in my girls' eyes was worth it. It was fun even though I was promptly told on to their father. They tried to act aghast that I would do that to them, but they like my driving and were all laughing as they were describing our drive home.

They think I am fun.